India-Pakistan tensions: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Spicejet issues advisory for passengers, Check-in closes….

India had responded to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor in which terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK was targeted through precision strikes.

Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, Air India on Thursday has informed passengers that check-in counters will now close 75 minutes before departure, in line with enhanced airport security directives issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. The airline has urged travelers across India to arrive at airports at least three hours in advance to ensure timely check-in and boarding.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) banned entry of visitors to the terminal building of airports and also made secondary ladder point checking compulsory for all flights as part of enhanced security arrangements. The detailed advisory comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated.

BCAS said in an advisory, “In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes… so that no untoward incident takes place in the country.”

#TravelAdvisory

In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding.…

— Air India (@airindia) May 8, 2025

As part of stepping up security arrangements, the agency has made Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) compulsory for all flights at all airports. Generally, it refers to checking passengers and their hand baggage just before boarding a flight. This is in addition to the primary security checks.

Besides, the entry of visitors to the terminal building of the airports and sale of visitor entry tickets has been banned. Ensuring 100 per cent serviceability of all CCTVs at airports and “deployment of in-flight security officers in flights based on prioritisation/randomisation” are among the other directions. BCAS has suggested enhanced security measures and surveillance at city side of airports in coordination with local police.

Among other measures, the aviation security watchdog has called for thorough scrutiny of PNR (Passenger Name Record), passenger and cargo manifest as well as full search of aircraft and catering services of planes. The directions include enhanced security measures and surveillance at cargo and general aviation terminals. BCAS has also said that all stakeholders concerned should enhance vigilance for shipments originating from areas deemed high risk and consider applying multiple screening methods.

In addition, Akasa Air has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure due to heightened security protocols across India. In a tweet, the airline stated that travelers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. Passengers will be allowed only one cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg, in addition to their checked luggage. In line with regulatory directives, all flyers will undergo secondary security screening before boarding.

This advisory follows escalating cross-border hostilities, as Pakistan targeted Jammu with loitering munitions on Thursday.

In a post on X, IndiGo said that in these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports.

“We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities,” it added. Spicejet added, “In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”

Blackout has also been enforced in Akhnoor of Jammu Division and sirens are being heard. A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu. India had responded to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor in which terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK was targeted through precision strikes. India also said that any attack on military installations will invite a suitable response.